Neural Darwinism and Consciousness

Abstract: Neural Darwinism (ND), also called the Theory of Neuronal Group Selection (TNGS) is a biological theory of brain development and function which is based on evolutionary and developmental principles. ND highlights the importance of selectionist processes underlying these principles. The aim of this literature review is to capture and summarize the essentials of both ND and its theoretical extensions, the Dynamic Core Hypothesis (TDCH) and Information Integration Theory, and reflect how ND as a theory accounts for a wide range of conscious phenomena such as general, informational and subjective conscious states. This is achieved by evaluating how 16 widely recognized properties of consciousness can be explained and accounted for with the theoretical framework of ND.